How to Save Fuel With Automatic Car Transmissions

Saving fuel with an automatic vehicle is easy by following a few guidelines. Adjusting driving habits, making minor modifications to your vehicle and following best fueling practices will help save you fuel and money.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy


Instructions

1. Adjust how you drive. Try to avoid quick accelerations and braking; by keeping at a steady speed, the car will run more efficiently. Speeds above 55 mph use more gas than at 55 mph or below, so follow speed limits. Avoid driving with your windows down at more than 45 mph; the friction from the wind causes force in the opposite direction than the car is moving and makes the car use more fuel to stay at speed. Combine your errands to avoid driving longer distances.

2. Keep your car in working condition. Make sure the tires are always properly inflated. Keep your car empty of extra items; having a full trunk weighs the car down and requires more fuel to run. Keep up with scheduled maintenance; when the engine is in optimal working condition, it is more efficient and will save fuel. Make sure your air filter is clean. It may be beneficial to buy a reusable K&N air filter; these air filters can help your car run more efficiently, which translates into fuel savings.

3. Fuel your vehicle in the early morning. When the ground is cool, the gasoline becomes more dense; thus you will receive more fuel per gallon. Don't fuel your car at a station that is being restocked with gas; when filling the underground tanks, the pressure of the pump will stir up any sediments in the tanks and then be pumped into your vehicle -- wait until the sediments have time to settle. Also, fill up your tank when there is a fourth tank left; this will avoid stirring up the sediments in your own fuel tank. Fill your tank slowly, this will allow for fewer air bubbles and churning in your tank, which can give a false full reading because of fumes. You want to keep the gas as dense a possible to get the most for your money.